HELJAN BACK-DATES ‘86’

Heljan is to fill a small gap in the ranks of ready-torun 25kv electrics with its Class 86 in as-built condition. Heljan’s current Class 86 was originally launched in 2010 and covers the class in its later guises, with revised springs and wheels. The new model will depict the ‘86’ in original ‘AL6’ condition and as the Class 86/0. The latter were ‘86s’ not fitted with Flexicoil suspension and were restricted to 80mph. 86001-86048 had been rebuilt with these springs and new wheels by the 1980s, to become Class 86/4. The first ‘86’ model was criticised for its poor cab roof shape, grilles and over-scale pantograph. The Danish company has promised that its new model will correct these issues, as well as featuring a 21-pin DCC socket. CAD work is complete and tooling is now in progress. Liveries for the new ‘AL6’/ Class 86/0 have been proposed, but individual running numbers are yet to be confirmed.